CHRISTIAN Association of Nigeria (CAN) yesterday directed faithful nationwide to stay at home on March 27 and 28, to mourn fellow believers killed in recent religious riots in parts of the country.

It also demanded immediate prosecution and trial of persons arrested in connection with the religious uprisings.

President of CAN, Most Rev. Peter Akinola while expressing "sadness and utter dismay" at the destruction of lives and property by religious bigots, said it was time government brought criminals, who perpetrate evil in the name of religion to justice.

Daily Champion recalls that many Christians were killed and over 50 churches burnt last month when Muslim youths who were protesting the alleged abuse of Prophet Muhammed in a newspaper cartoon in Denmark unleashed mayhem in Borno and Bauchi states.

Lives and property worth millions of naira were lost in the reprisal killings in Onitsha, Anambra State.

But reacting to the incidents, the cleric said the executive council of the association had resolved that Christians of all denominations should observe a two-day national mourning for those who lost their lives in the riots.

"During this period of mourning no Christian shall go to work, no shop, market, nor office is to be opened. In other words, there shall be no business transactions," he said.

Dr. Akinola, who is also the Primate, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) spoke in Abuja at the formal inauguration of the League of Anglican Media Professionals (LAMP).

He however, clarified that the work-free days was "not a holiday, but a time to mourn, weep, repent and pray for our country, for all criminally minded people, for the peaceful co-existence among all Nigerians, for the peace of the world, for troubled parts of God's world."

The cleric further appealed to all tiers of government to find ways and means of ensuring that all Nigerians, irrespective of tribe or religion, were thoroughly educated about the multi-religious nature of the country where no part was superior or inferior to the other.

Archbishop Akinola canvassed for an emergency meeting of the 36 state governors to discuss issues that were fundamental to our collective existence so as to enable them formulate the templates for mutual respect, tolerance and peaceful co-existence.

While commending the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Maccido for giving good leadership to the Muslim community, he also lauded the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Sunday Ehindero and his men for their ability in curtailing the riots.

The CAN president urged laws enforcement agencies and the judiciary not to treat those arrested during the period with kid's gloves.

"They must be treated for who they are, criminals, murderers, arsonists. Arrests made are positive indication that the police are working hard. But we must go beyond that to prosecute and allow the law to take its full course on all found guilty," he stressed.

Rev. Akinola while insisting that the Mach 27 and 28 work-free day would be a time of sober reflection and prayer, said the call should be heeded for the sake of the nation's tomorrow.

"No form of work at whatever level in these two days is to be undertaken ." he emphasised.

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